HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The Hill AFB Varsity Volleyball Team continues to demonstrate the power of sport as a unifying force, offering Airmen and their families a community that extends far beyond the court.
The team recently hosted a tournament coined “Blocktoberfest,” welcoming 16 base teams in mid-October. Nearly every base that attended brought a women’s, men’s and co-ed team. While the event showcased competition, its deeper impact was in strengthening bonds and building resilience among participants.
“Programs like the Air Force Varsity Volleyball League provide Airmen and their families a sense of community that can last well beyond the court,” said tournament director and club manager Tawny De Nio. “It not only strengthens their resilience as athletes and people, but it also gives them a positive release that can help aid the Air Force’s mission to take care of the whole airman: mind, body and spirit. For many Airmen, the Hill volleyball club becomes their family for life.”
For the Hill athletes, the league is more than a schedule of matches—it’s a support system. Head coach Staff Sgt. Rick-Ryan Ah-Hong, an ALS instructor at Hill, explained, “As a coach, I measure success in two ways. The first is reflected in our tangible accomplishments—tournament finishes, MVP recognitions, spirit awards, and the steady growth we see from the team throughout the season. These achievements highlight the hard work, discipline, and skill our athletes bring to court.”
“The second measure of success—and the one I value most—lies in the personal stories behind each athlete. Every player faces challenges and hardships, both in sport and in life. In a time when mental health remains one of the greatest battles our Airmen face, I’ve witnessed our team rise together—supporting one another, building confidence, and finding strength in unity. Those moments of resilience and compassion are the true victories that define our program.”
Events like Blocktoberfest also highlight the role athletics play in readiness. By encouraging teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, the league helps Airmen carry lessons from the court into their daily mission. Families, too, benefit from the sense of belonging, with spouses and children often attending matches, cheering from the sidelines, and becoming part of the extended Hill Volleyball family.
Beyond Blocktoberfest, Hill Volleyball continues to represent the base at competitions to include the regional and national tournaments that take place in early 2026. These events not only showcase athletic talent but also serve as opportunities to strengthen ties across the Air Force community, reinforcing the idea that resilience and unity are built both in uniform and in shared experiences.
The Air Force Varsity Volleyball League remains a vital outlet for military members to stay active, build relationships, and find belonging both on and off base. For Hill AFB, the program has become a symbol of how sport can inspire connection, foster resilience, and create a lasting legacy of support for Airmen and their families.
For more information, follow Hill AFB Volleyball on Instagram (@hillvolleyballclub), Facebook (Hill AFB Volleyball), or email hillafbvarsityvolleyball@gmail.com.